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What Not to Put in a Storage Unit: The Ultimate Guide

A storage unit can be a total lifesaver, whether you’re going through a life transition, decluttering your home, or storing business supplies. While you can pack them with most of your belongings, there are a few important rules to follow. For your safety and to protect your things, some items are simply not storage unit material. To give you complete confidence, we’ve put together this straightforward guide. It covers the common things you can’t store and the activities that are strictly off-limits, ensuring your experience is a great one.

Common Reasons People Use Storage

People turn to storage for all sorts of reasons, and it’s not always about a major life upheaval. Sometimes, you just need a little extra room to breathe. Whether you’re navigating a big change or simply trying to reclaim your garage, a storage unit can provide the perfect amount of space to keep your belongings safe and accessible. Understanding the common scenarios for using storage can help you see if it’s the right fit for your situation. From temporary needs during a home renovation to long-term solutions for business inventory, the flexibility of modern storage makes it a practical tool for managing your space and your stuff.

During a Move or Home Remodel

Moving and remodeling are two of life’s most chaotic events. During a move, you might have a gap between leaving your old place and getting into your new one. A storage unit is the perfect bridge, keeping your things secure. When remodeling, it’s essential to clear out space to protect your furniture from dust and damage, and to give contractors room to work. Stashing everything in a nearby unit declutters the worksite and gives you peace of mind, knowing your valuables are out of harm’s way until the project is complete and you’re ready to move them back in.

Downsizing Your Home

Making the move to a smaller home is a great way to simplify your life, but it often means you have more belongings than you have space for. Deciding what to keep, sell, or donate can be an emotional process that takes time. A storage unit offers a valuable middle ground. It allows you to hold onto sentimental items, family heirlooms, or seasonal gear that you don’t want to part with but can’t fit into your new living area. This gives you the flexibility to sort through things at your own pace without feeling pressured to make rushed decisions.

Storing Business Inventory or Documents

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, a storage unit can be a game-changer. Instead of cluttering your home office or garage with inventory, supplies, or equipment, you can keep everything organized in a secure, off-site location. It’s also a cost-effective solution for storing important business documents and records that you need to retain but don’t need to access daily. This frees up valuable space in your primary workspace and creates a more professional, streamlined operation, allowing you to focus on growing your business rather than managing clutter.

For College Students During Breaks

If you’re a college student, figuring out what to do with your dorm room full of stuff over the summer is a yearly puzzle. Packing everything up and hauling it back home, only to bring it back a few months later, is a huge hassle. A small storage unit or a storage locker near campus is the perfect solution. You can store your books, mini-fridge, bedding, and other essentials securely until the fall semester begins. It saves you and your parents time, money, and the stress of a cross-country move for just a few months.

Vehicle, Boat, or RV Storage

Your storage options aren’t limited to just boxes and furniture. Many facilities offer dedicated spaces for storing vehicles, from classic cars and motorcycles to larger items like boats and RVs. This is an excellent option if you have limited driveway space, live in a neighborhood with HOA restrictions on parked vehicles, or need a secure place to keep your recreational vehicles during the off-season. It protects your investment from the elements and potential theft, ensuring it’s in great condition when you’re ready to hit the road or the water again.

Exploring Your Storage Options

Once you’ve decided you need storage, the next step is figuring out which type is right for you. The world of storage has expanded far beyond a simple garage-like unit at the edge of town. Today, you have a variety of choices, each designed to meet different needs, budgets, and levels of convenience. From traditional drive-up units to portable containers that come to you, understanding the pros and cons of each option will help you make an informed decision. Let’s walk through the most common types of storage so you can find the perfect match for your belongings and your lifestyle.

Traditional Self-Storage Units

This is the classic option that most people picture when they think of storage. You rent a space at a large facility and are responsible for transporting your items there and loading them into the unit. These facilities offer a wide range of sizes, from small 5×5 foot units that feel like a walk-in closet to massive 10×30 foot spaces that can hold the contents of an entire multi-bedroom house. This model is straightforward and gives you direct control over how and when you access your belongings during the facility’s operating hours.

Storage Lockers

If you only need to store a few things, a full-sized unit might be overkill. Storage lockers are the solution. These are much smaller, often no bigger than a gym or school locker, and are perfect for stashing a few boxes, a suitcase, or some personal documents. They are a cost-effective choice for college students storing items over a break or for anyone who just needs to clear a little bit of clutter without committing to a larger space. Think of it as renting a small, secure closet outside of your home.

Portable Storage Containers

What if the storage unit could come to you? That’s the idea behind portable storage containers. A company delivers a container right to your driveway, and you can pack it at your own pace, on your own schedule. This completely eliminates the need to rent, drive, and rush to return a moving truck. Once you’re done loading, the company picks up the container and either moves it to your new home or takes it to a secure warehouse for storage. It’s a model built around convenience, designed to reduce the stress and physical labor of moving.

How Box-n-Go Simplifies Storage

At Box-n-Go, we’ve built our entire service around making your life easier. We deliver one or more of our breathable, portable storage containers right to your door. You load your belongings on your timeline—no pressure. When you’re ready, we’ll pick them up and transport them to our secure, indoor storage facility. The best part? You avoid the back-breaking work of loading a truck, driving it to a facility, and then unloading everything again. When you need your items back, we can re-deliver the container or you can access it for free at our ground-level facility. It’s the ultimate hassle-free storage solution.

Outdoor Storage Sheds

For a permanent, on-site solution, you might consider buying an outdoor storage shed. This gives you 24/7 access to your belongings right in your own backyard. It’s a great option for storing gardening tools, lawn equipment, bicycles, and other items you use frequently. While the upfront cost is higher than renting a unit, it can be a worthwhile long-term investment if you have the space and plan to need extra storage for years to come. It becomes a permanent extension of your home’s storage capacity.

Full-Service (Valet) Storage

If you want a completely hands-off experience, full-service storage is the way to go. Often called valet storage, these companies handle all the heavy lifting for you. They come to your home, pick up your items, create a photo inventory so you can see what you have stored, and then transport everything to their facility. When you need something back, you simply request it through an app, and they deliver it to you. This premium service offers the highest level of convenience, making it ideal for busy professionals or anyone who prefers to outsource the entire process.

Key Features to Look for in a Storage Facility

After you’ve narrowed down the type of storage you need, it’s time to compare specific facilities. Not all storage companies are created equal, and the right features can make a world of difference in your experience. You’re trusting a business with your personal belongings, so it’s important to look beyond just the price tag. Key features like robust security, climate control for sensitive items, and convenient access can protect your things and save you headaches down the road. Knowing what to look for will help you choose a facility that is safe, clean, and well-suited to your needs.

Security Measures

The safety of your belongings should be your top priority. A reputable storage facility will invest in multiple layers of security to protect its customers’ property. When you tour a facility, don’t be shy about asking detailed questions about their security protocols. You’re looking for a comprehensive system that deters potential thieves and ensures only authorized individuals can access the property. Peace of mind comes from knowing your items are just as safe, if not safer, than they would be in your own garage.

24/7 Video Surveillance and Gated Access

Look for facilities that offer robust security features like 24/7 video surveillance cameras placed strategically throughout the property, including hallways and entry points. Another critical feature is electronic gated access, which requires a unique code for entry and exit, creating a log of everyone who comes and goes. Well-lit grounds and perimeter fencing add another layer of protection. Some facilities even have on-site managers who provide an additional human element of security during business hours, adding to the overall safety of the environment.

Climate Control Explained

Some of your most valuable possessions are also the most vulnerable to damage from extreme temperatures and humidity. That’s where climate control comes in. A climate-controlled unit maintains a consistent temperature and humidity level year-round, typically between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This feature is essential for protecting sensitive items like wooden furniture, electronics, musical instruments, artwork, photographs, and important documents from warping, cracking, mildew, and pests. While it may cost a bit more, it’s a small price to pay to preserve your irreplaceable belongings.

Unit Access Options

How and when you can get to your belongings is a major factor in choosing a storage facility. Your needs will dictate what kind of access is best. For example, if you’re storing business inventory that you need to retrieve frequently, 24/7 access might be non-negotiable. If you’re storing furniture during a long-term move, standard business hours might be perfectly fine. Consider your schedule and how often you anticipate needing to visit your unit before you sign a rental agreement. This will ensure the facility’s policies align with your lifestyle.

Drive-Up vs. Indoor Access

Drive-up units offer the ultimate convenience for loading and unloading. You can park your vehicle directly in front of your unit’s roll-up door, making it easy to move large, heavy items like furniture and appliances. Indoor units, on the other hand, are located inside a building. While they require you to carry items through hallways, they offer an added layer of protection from the elements, keeping you and your belongings out of the rain or hot sun. Many indoor facilities also offer climate control, which is less common for drive-up units.

24/7 Availability

While most storage facilities have set access hours, typically from early morning to evening, some offer 24/7 availability. This feature provides maximum flexibility, allowing you to access your unit whenever it fits your schedule, whether that’s late at night after work or early on a weekend morning. If your work hours are unpredictable or you simply want the freedom to get to your things at any time, be sure to look for a facility that specifically advertises 24-hour access. It’s a key amenity for those who need complete control over their schedule.

Helpful On-Site Amenities

The little things can make a big difference on moving day. Thoughtful on-site amenities show that a facility cares about its customers’ experience. When you’re comparing options, look for features designed to make the moving process smoother and less physically demanding. These conveniences can save you time, protect your belongings from damage, and make your trips to the storage unit far more pleasant. They are often a sign of a well-managed and customer-focused operation, which is exactly what you want when storing your possessions.

Covered Loading Areas

A covered loading and unloading area is an invaluable amenity, especially if you live in an area with unpredictable weather. This feature protects you and your belongings from scorching sun or a sudden downpour while you’re moving items in or out of your unit. It allows you to take your time and organize your things without worrying about them getting damaged by the elements. It’s a simple but highly practical feature that can significantly reduce the stress of moving day, ensuring a more comfortable experience from start to finish.

Dollies and Handcarts

Hauling heavy boxes and furniture from your vehicle to an indoor unit can be exhausting, especially if you have to navigate long hallways. A good storage facility will provide complimentary dollies and handcarts for customer use. Having these tools readily available saves you from having to bring your own and makes transporting your items much easier and more efficient. It’s a small but significant amenity that demonstrates a facility’s commitment to customer convenience and can save your back a lot of strain during the move-in process.

Understanding Costs and Rental Terms

Finally, let’s talk about the bottom line: the cost and the contract. Before you commit to a storage unit, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of all the associated fees and the terms of your rental agreement. Pricing can vary widely based on size, location, and features like climate control. Beyond the monthly rent, be sure to ask about any administrative fees, required insurance, or potential rate increases. A transparent company will be upfront about all costs. Similarly, understanding the flexibility of the lease will ensure you’re not locked into a contract that doesn’t fit your timeline.

Comparing Costs: Renting vs. Buying

When you need extra storage, you generally have two main financial paths: renting a unit or buying a permanent structure like an outdoor shed. For short-term needs, such as during a move or renovation, renting is almost always the more cost-effective choice. It provides a flexible, low-commitment solution. However, if you anticipate needing extra space for many years, the long-term cost of renting can add up. In that case, buying a shed could be a better investment, provided you have the space for it on your property.

Flexible Rental Agreements

Life is unpredictable, and your storage needs can change unexpectedly. That’s why a flexible rental agreement is so important. You don’t want to be stuck paying for a storage unit for months after you no longer need it. Look for facilities that offer customer-friendly terms without locking you into a long-term commitment. This flexibility allows you to adapt as your situation changes, whether you need to upsize, downsize, or move out altogether. It puts you in control of your storage timeline and your budget.

Month-to-Month Leases

The industry standard for self-storage is the month-to-month lease, and for good reason. This type of agreement offers the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to rent for as long or as short a period as you need. Whether you need storage for a single month during a quick move or for several years while living abroad, a monthly lease ensures you only pay for what you use. It eliminates the fear of being trapped in a long-term contract, making it easy to end your rental when your need for storage is over.

What Not to Do in Your Storage Unit

You should not live in the unit. If you live in a city where rent is expensive, you may want to try to live in your storage unit. In a place like Washington DC where the average apartment monthly rental is $2263, living in a 10′ x 11′ storage for $222 may seem like a great way to save a couple of grand every month. It isn’t. Living in your unit isn’t just against the rules you agreed to when you signed the storage rental agreement, it’s against the law.

Wherever you are, there are building codes for places where people live in. Since storage facilities are not residences, storage units don’t meet the building code standard for human habitation. That’s what makes living your unit illegal. You may now think that building codes are made to keep you out of a really cheap place to live. These regulations actually are for your safety. They say a legal residence must have things like plumbing, ventilation, and two means of egress. Storage units don’t meet these standards. You will be uncomfortable and in potential danger if you try to live one.

Still you may believe that you are stealthy enough to live undetected in a storage unit. You’re wrong. Every facility has measures to reveal if someone is living there. For example, some facilities monitor security cameras while others review the use of entry and exit codes. When the storage facility manager realizes you are living in the unit, you will be removed along with your stuff. If you’re living in the unit with your children, you could be facing more trouble than eviction. Criminal charges are the real risks in this situation.

Don’t Live in Your Storage Unit

I get it. With rent prices being what they are, the thought of swapping a pricey apartment for a cheap storage unit can seem like a clever hack. But before you start planning your new, compact lifestyle, you need to know that living in a storage unit is illegal. It’s not just a simple breach of your rental contract; it’s a violation of state and local laws. These laws aren’t in place to make your life difficult. They exist to keep you safe. Buildings intended for people to live in must meet strict building codes, which require essentials like proper plumbing, ventilation for fresh air, and multiple safe exits in case of an emergency. Storage facilities are built for stuff, not people, so they don’t meet any of these critical safety standards for habitation.

Legal Consequences of Occupancy

You might think you can fly under the radar, but storage facilities are very good at spotting when someone is trying to live in a unit. Managers monitor security camera footage and keep a close eye on access logs to see who is coming and going and when. Once you’re discovered, the consequences are immediate. The facility will evict you and remove your belongings, leaving you without a home or a place to store your things. The situation can become much more serious, too. If children are found living in a unit, it can lead to intervention from child protective services and even potential criminal charges. It’s one of the most serious prohibited activities, and the legal and personal risks are far too high to make it a viable option.

Don’t Smoke or Cook Inside

Smoking and cooking in your unit are fire hazards. Were you to cause a fire, you would be liable for both injuries and any property loss.

Don’t Run a Business From Your Unit

Using a storage unit as the place where you conduct your business is usually against storage facility policy. It’s not to prevent you from getting cheap commercial rent. It’s to protect you, your employees, and your customers from the same dangers that are there if you were living in a storage unit. Fortunately, some facilities have appropriate office space that you can rent. Also it’s fine to store your business supplies and equipment in a unit.

Leave Appliances Unplugged

Storage facilities don’t have a problem with storing appliances, but running appliances is not allowed. Most appliances cannot be operated safely in a storage unit.

Don’t Tamper With the Wiring

The time you spent online looking up how to run electricity to your storage unit was wasted. The storage facility will notice the increased electricity usage. Then you and your stuff will get the boot.

Storage Units Are Not for Pets

Live animals are prohibited in storage. Storage facilities are not a safe place for animals. Putting animals in storage could subject you to a criminal charge of animal cruelty.

What Not to Put in a Storage Unit

Food and Perishables

While canned goods are usually fine to put in storage, all perishable food, including pet food, is prohibited. Not only would stored perishable food smell and spoil, it also attracts bugs and rodents. You don’t want those critters in your stuff and neither do the folks in the units near yours.

Cash and Securities

Your locked storage unit is very secure, however, keeping cash is storage is just not smart. If the cash were to go missing, you have no remedy. Even if you’ve insured your stored stuff, the insurance policy won’t reimburse your cash.

Valuable Artwork

There’s a reason not to store fine artwork in addition to the obvious potential for theft. Unless the unit is climate friendly, storage units can experience extreme heat and cold. These extreme temperatures could damage your art.

Irreplaceable Sentimental Items

Anything that is irreplaceable, even if you have the funds, should not be in your storage unit. Some examples are family heirlooms and valuable jewelry. Like art, these items could be also be damaged by extreme temperatures. Additionally, you don’t want to find yourself in the same situation as the daughters of Malcolm X. They had to hire a lawyer to retrieve their father’s papers which had been sold in an auction because they were part of the contents of a storage unit that wasn’t current on its rent.

Hazardous Materials

Materials that are too dangerous to store in your home or business also pose too much of a hazard to keep in storage. Any material that is inherently flammable, toxic, or explosive should never be placed in storage. Here are examples of common hazardous materials that don’t belong in storage:

Fireworks
Gasoline
Fertilizer
Kerosene
Ammunition
Propane
Paint
Paint thinner
Cleaners
Motor oil
Acid
Grease
Illegal Drugs

Firearms and Ammunition

As you just saw, ammunition is always prohibited as an explosive, but what about your guns? In some states, it is illegal to keep firearms in a storage unit. Even if having unloaded firearms in storage isn’t breaking the law in your area, most storage facilities still don’t allow them because of their inherent danger.

Live Plants

Your pots, garden tools, water hose, and other plant paraphernalia are welcome, but plants themselves are a no-no. Your storage unit doesn’t provide light and water your plants need to live. Storage facilities don’t want plants in their units due to their potential to attract vermin.

Illegal or Stolen Items

You know they shouldn’t be in your possession anyway. The storage facility does not want to become a part of your criminal activity.

Vinyl Records

Unless your unit is climate friendly, extreme heat can cause your records to warp, which makes them unplayable.

Store Smarter with Box-n-Go

While Box-n-Go storage is no different from any other storage when it comes to prohibited items, our consultants may help you understand the issues. When it comes to storage, there is no easier way to store than the portable storage. this is what Box-n-Go does. Simply call us at 1-877-269-6461 and we will be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m only storing things for a few months during a home renovation. Do I really need to worry about climate control? That’s a great question, and the answer really depends on what you’re storing. Even over a few months, extreme heat or cold can do a number on sensitive items. Things like wooden furniture can warp, electronics can be damaged by humidity, and photos can stick together. If you’re storing anything you’d be upset to see damaged, a climate-controlled unit is a smart move. For less sensitive items like tools or patio furniture, you can likely get by without it.

What’s the real difference between storing business inventory and running a business from my unit? The main distinction comes down to activity. Using a unit to hold your extra stock, equipment, or archived documents is a perfect use of the space. “Running a business,” on the other hand, implies that people—whether it’s you, employees, or customers—are actively working or meeting there. Storage facilities aren’t designed or zoned for that kind of daily foot traffic, which creates safety and liability issues. Think of it as a warehouse for your stuff, not an office for your work.

Are my belongings automatically insured by the storage facility? This is a common point of confusion, so it’s important to be clear: no, they are not. The storage facility’s insurance covers their property, like the building itself, but not the contents of your unit. Most facilities require you to have some form of insurance for your belongings. Before you purchase a policy from the storage company, it’s worth calling your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance agent. Many policies include off-site property coverage that might already protect you.

I have some old family photos and letters. Is a storage unit a safe place for them? While you can technically store sentimental items, especially in a climate-controlled unit, I always advise people to think carefully about anything that is truly irreplaceable. Items like old photos, family heirlooms, or one-of-a-kind documents have a value that no amount of money can replace. If losing something would be devastating, the safest place for it is with you or a trusted family member. A storage unit is fantastic for most things, but your most precious memories deserve a spot closer to home.

With all these rules, how does a portable container service like Box-n-Go work? The rules about what you can and can’t store are universal for safety and apply to portable containers, too. The big advantage of a service like Box-n-Go isn’t about changing the rules, but about changing the process. You get the convenience of packing at home on your own schedule, which eliminates the stress of renting and driving a truck. Once packed, the container is moved to a secure, indoor facility, so you get the benefits of a traditional storage center without the hassle of moving everything twice. It simplifies the logistics while upholding the same safety standards.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize convenience and protection when choosing a unit: Look beyond just the size and price. Consider how options like portable containers can save you time and labor, and always ask about security features and climate control to ensure your belongings are properly protected from theft and damage.
• A storage unit is for your things, not for you: While it might seem like a creative solution, living or running a business from your unit is illegal and dangerous. Facilities aren’t built with the proper ventilation, plumbing, or emergency exits for human occupancy, and you will be evicted.
• If it’s dangerous or priceless, store it elsewhere: For the safety of everyone, never store flammable, toxic, or explosive materials. Additionally, keep irreplaceable items like family heirlooms, important documents, and cash in a more secure location, as they are often not covered by insurance and are too precious to risk.

Related Articles

• Common Things You Should Not Do in a Storage Unit | Box-n-Go
• Why You Should Never Live in a Storage Unit? Explained
• Secure Self Storage: Essential Features for Peace of Mind – Box n Go Storage and Moving
• Your Guide to Personal Self Storage: Find the Right Unit – Box n Go Storage and Moving
• 24-Hour Self Storage: A Complete Guide – Box n Go Storage and Moving